The Camino de Santiago is not just an 800 km pilgrimage — it's life-changing. Thousands of years of tradition, UNESCO since 1993. WHICH ROUTE • Camino Francés (800 km, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Santiago) — classic, 60% of pilgrims, good infrastructure • Camino del Norte (824 km, Irun → Santiago) — along Atlantic coast, fewer crowds, last leg rainy • Camino Portugués (260 km from Porto) — good for beginners, 12 days • Camino Primitivo (315 km from Oviedo) — oldest, most technically difficult WHAT TO BRING Max 8 kg backpack, hiking boots (broken in!), 2 pairs wool socks, sandals for evenings, sleeping bag, 1L bottle, scallop shell (pilgrim symbol). CREDENCIAL Pilgrim passport — buy on day one. Stamp at every lodging. After 100 km walking (or 200 km cycling) → Compostela in Santiago. LODGING (ALBERGUES) 6-15 € a night. Credencial required. Bunk beds, kitchen, sometimes heating. First come, first served. TIMING March-May, September-October. July-August hot and crowded. Winter — many albergues closed.